NICK MERCIECA MAKES HISTORY AS FIRST MALTESE PARA POWERLIFTER AT EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Para athlete Nick Mercieca has made history as the first Maltese competitor to participate in the Para Powerlifting European Championships, delivering a standout performance in Tbilisi, Georgia.

At just 19 years old, Mercieca competed in the men’s up to 59kg category, setting a new personal best and national record with a lift of 114kg.

Mercieca’s achievement marks a significant improvement on his previous best of 110kg, set at the 2025 Para Powerlifting World Championships.

Demonstrating remarkable consistency and technique, he received nine white lights across all his attempts: 106kg in the opening round, 111kg in the second, and 114kg in his final lift.

Competing in the Next Generation (18–20) category, he secured silver for best lift and gold for total lift, cementing his status as one of Europe’s rising para powerlifting talents and bringing Malta onto the continental stage.

Accompanying Mercieca were coach Nigel McCarthy and team leader Dr Julian Bajada, Secretary General of the Malta Paralympic Committee, who praised the athlete’s professionalism, composure, and dedication. “Nick remains calm and composed, enjoying the moment while showcasing months of training and hard work,” Dr Bajada said, emphasising the importance of athletes trusting the process and giving their best on the stage.

The Malta Paralympic Committee also expressed gratitude to Mercieca’s support team and sponsors, including BMIT Technologies, Eurosport Malta, The Radiology Clinic Malta, and SportMalta, whose International Participation Scheme helped facilitate the delegation’s participation.

Mercieca’s historic participation and record-breaking performance highlight not only his personal talent but also the growing presence of Maltese athletes in international para sports, setting the stage for his journey toward the Los Angeles 2028 Paralympic Games.

#MaltaDaily